A well-known Liverpool journalist has shed light on why Arne Slot has largely overlooked Federico Chiesa during the Reds’ title-winning campaign.
Chiesa was Slot’s only signing in his debut season, arriving from Juventus for £10 million on a four-year contract after falling out of favor at the Italian club. ..Continue Reading
Many viewed the deal as a bargain given the player’s pedigree, but despite Liverpool clinching their second Premier League title under Slot, Chiesa has struggled for game time and was even linked with a return to Italy as early as January.
The 27-year-old has made just four league appearances and needs at least one more in the remaining four matches to secure a winners’ medal.
While he did score a consolation goal in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, Slot has not placed his trust in the former Fiorentina winger, leaving him far down the pecking order behind Liverpool’s established attacking options.
Chiesa was absent from the decisive 5-1 victory over Spurs, and Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail has now provided insight into why he has been left on the sidelines.
“Well, for the first half of the season it was obvious: Federico Chiesa was not fully fit or anywhere close to being match-ready.
“And then I am told his performance at Plymouth in the FA Cup exit really concerned the coaching staff. It was not good enough and that set him back somewhat.
“He has had some nice cameos – Darwin Nunez took the credit for that win at Brentford but he changed the game, too, and his goal at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final was very nice. I would like to see Chiesa get some minutes in the next few weeks. His future is uncertain to say the least but he has not really had a chance to show Slot and Co what he can do.
“The other reason is that he is the sixth-choice striker so the others start or come on first through merit. It is a bit of a catch 22 for Chiesa but I am confident we will see him play some part in these final four games.”
Chiesa has played 90 minutes just once for Liverpool against Plymouth in that shock FA Cup defeat to the Championship outfit, while in the Premier League the most he’s played in a match is just 13 minutes against Bournemouth.
